Great espresso machine for a great price

Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

great espresso machine for a great price

Our Review

There’s nothing better than waking up to the fresh smell of espresso. This is exactly how your mornings can be with the Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. This little machine may not look that powerful on the outside, but it is. It has a thermoblock heating element that allows the machine to heat up fast and deliver hot espresso. The espresso maker also has 15-bars of pump pressure, a powerful milk frother and trendy exterior design. It’s simple to use and perfect for those on a budget who want to take advantage of great tasting espresso with a simplified yet intuitive machine.

Key Features

What are the Pros?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly espresso maker that produces high-quality results, the Mr. Coffee ECMP50 is a great buy. At under $75, this is one espresso maker that is affordable and offers practical features, instead of offering a stripped down product. For example, you get a removable water reservoir, drip tray and milk frother included with the purchase. To make the machine fast and producing great results, the Mr. Coffee espresso maker operates on a thermoblock heating system, something included in higher priced machines. The espresso maker is just plain cute as well, so you certainly won’t mind having it on your countertop. It looks more expensive than it is thanks to its sleek black and silver exterior. Reviewers rave about the easy operation, fast heat-up times and high-pressure pump that are packed into this espresso maker. The product is great for both casual and everyday coffee drinkers, and according to reviewers, the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker keeps up with the demands of making two to three cups of espresso each day. All in all, a great buy with promising potential.

What are the Cons?

One of the biggest complaints about the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker is that it leaks. The water container has a hole on the bottom where it attaches to the machine, and this is where the leaky problems begin. While the cycle is brewing, water leaks out and will land on the countertop. Depending on who wrote the review, some people say that the machine leaks a lot while others say it’s a minuscule amount. The bottom line is that the machine is bound to leak at least a little bit, so keep some extra towels on hand to wipe up after you make your espresso. Problem solved. Other complaints have centered on the durability of the machine. Some people were disappointed to see plastic parts in the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker, but if you want metal, you must upgrade to a more expensive machine. Nevertheless, the parts shouldn’t break early on, as some people have experienced, but you must expect that the parts will be made from a heavy-duty plastic as opposed to a durable metal.

How Does it Compare to Other Mr. Coffee Espresso Makers?

A less expensive alternative is the Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine that includes everything you to need to make delicious espresso on a budget, including a decanter, cup warmer, removable drip tray, cord storage, measuring scoop and frothing aid. The main difference between this machine and the ECMP50 is that one machine is steam-based while the other has a thermoblock heating element. If you want a faster, more powerful machine with hotter espresso, the Mr. Coffee ECMP50 is worth the money. A similar machine that is slightly more expensive is the DeLonghi EC155 15-Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker. The DeLonghi is comparable in the fact that both machines have 15-bars of pump pressure, a black and stainless exterior and easy front controls. However, there are many things that set these two apart, such as two separate thermostats, a stainless steel boiler and self-priming operation with the DeLonghi. This machine also takes coffee pods for added convenience. For a bit more money, you get a more versatile machine with more possibilities.

Final Verdict

The Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso Maker is a brilliant little machine that is well worth the price. It’s easy to use and allows you to make barista-quality espressos and cappuccinos without having to deal with a complex machine. There are many high-quality parts that come with this machine as well, including the thermoblock heating element and powerful milk frother. For the price and convenience of this espresso maker, it’s hard to pass up, even if you choose to use it occasionally.